4/25/14- Peter's Martyrdom Predicted

 18Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:18,19)

Thoughts: This passage tells us that Jesus predicted Peter's death by martyrdom and also that the author was writing after the fact- confirming the prediction was true.  St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City is a monument to the death of Peter by the Emperor Nero around 65 AD.  St. Peter's is built on Nero's Circus Maximus- and the ground of his palace.  Strong tradition has it that when the Romans told Peter he would die on the cross he asked them to crucify him upside down.  
Peter changed from the one who denied him to the one who thought it unworthy to die right-side up.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Peter's example of bravery.  Help me to not deny my faith.  Keep me from shying away from doing what is right- and speaking up for you.